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Sorption Behavior of Ibuprofen and Naproxen in Simulated Domestic Wastewater

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Abstract

Reduction in the concentration of pharmaceuticals present in wastewater has been attributed to sorption and biodegradation. However, the contribution of these processes has not been fully characterized. Previous studies have reported varying effects of solution pH and concentration on sorption behavior of pharmaceuticals in different absorbents including activated carbon waste and zeolites. Here we report the pH and concentration effect on sorption of two common anti-inflammatory drugs, viz., ibuprofen and naproxen, on suspended solids in simulated domestic wastewater (SDWW). Batch experiments were conducted at various pH levels, viz., 3.5, 6.5, 7.5, and 8.5, and concentration, viz., 125, 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 μg L−1. The results showed that both ibuprofen and naproxen have higher sorption at lower pH values and at higher concentration. It was found that the data were comparatively well fitted to the Redlich–Peterson isotherm. The study revealed that both ibuprofen and naproxen can be removed from wastewater by the sorption process achieved by lowering the pH to values lower than pK a and maintaining the concentration at an optimal value.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by George Washington Carver Agricultural Experiment Station, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama 36088.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA

    Samir C. Paul & Kyle R. Willian

  2. School of Agriculture, Fisheries & Human Sciences, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff, AR, 71601, USA

    Leonard J.M. Githinji

  3. Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, USA

    Ramble O. Ankumah

  4. Department of Chemistry, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, 36088, USA

    Gregory Pritchett

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  1. Samir C. Paul
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  2. Leonard J.M. Githinji
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Correspondence to Leonard J.M. Githinji.

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Paul, S.C., Githinji, L.J., Ankumah, R.O. et al. Sorption Behavior of Ibuprofen and Naproxen in Simulated Domestic Wastewater. Water Air Soil Pollut 225, 1821 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-013-1821-9

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